This hike is one of my favorites as long as the weather cooperates – there is no where to hide from the sun on the trek through the lava flow so a cool, cloudy day is definitely recommended. Or an early morning! I picked up a day hike permit on a whim and rallied my husband to join me for an early morning hike. With daytime temps forecast to be in the mid-90s I knew this hike would be a tough one if we didn't knock it out before the mid-day sun, and we definitely weren't the only ones to have that idea since we arrived to a full trailhead before 7 am.

The hike was beautiful and a nice breeze accompanied us the whole way. Unfortunately, smoke from a new nearby fire was obstructing the view at times, but that's summer in Central Oregon…

Little Belknap Crater is a worthy side trek – the view from the summit is fantastic and gives you a look ahead to the route up Belknap.